VA Disability Rating for Brain Cancer (Glioblastoma / CNS Tumors)
Malignant brain tumors (DC 8002) rate 100% during active disease. PACT Act presumptive for burn-pit exposure.
Malignant new growths of the brain (DC 8002) are rated 100% during active disease. After treatment completion and a stabilization period, rerated by residuals — motor weakness, sensory loss, seizures, cognitive impairment — each under its own DC and combined. Benign brain tumors (DC 8003) follow a similar approach but residuals tend to be the rating driver from the start.
Presumptive framework applies
PACT Act presumptive for post-9/11 burn-pit / airborne-hazard exposure (added to PACT presumptive list 2024).
Check my presumptive eligibility →Rating tiers + 2026 monthly compensation
| Rating | Monthly (2026, single vet) | Criteria (summary) |
|---|---|---|
| 100% | $3,938.58 | Active malignant new growths of the brain. |
| 0% | — | After treatment + stabilization: rerated by residuals — seizures (8910/8911), motor (8520 etc.), cognitive (8045 analog), depression. Each gets its own DC and they combine. |
Dollar amounts reflect the 2.5% COLA effective 2025-12-01 for single veterans with no dependents. Add spouse + children for 30%+ ratings via the estimator.
What this means in dollars
- →At 100%: $3,938.58/mo · $47,263/year, tax-free
How to get rated for brain cancer (glioblastoma / cns tumors)
- Pathology + imaging confirming brain tumor type.
- PACT-qualifying service: file under presumption.
- Document EVERY neurological residual separately — seizures, motor weakness, vision, cognition. Each gets its own DC.
Common secondary conditions
- +Seizure disorder (post-tumor)
- +Cognitive impairment
- +Hemiplegia / motor weakness
- +Depression
File these separately. VA rates each service-connected condition independently and combines them via § 4.25.
Nexus tips
- Glioblastoma + burn-pit exposure: file as PACT presumptive — this is the central case the PACT brain-cancer expansion addresses.
- Document deployment locations (Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, etc.) carefully.
Frequently asked
I served in Iraq 2003-2004 and was diagnosed with glioblastoma in 2024. Is it presumptive?
Yes — glioblastoma was added to the PACT Act presumptive list. Iraq deployment after 8/2/1990 establishes qualifying service. File under PACT — no nexus letter required.
Ready to act on this?
Get a full rating estimate across your conditions, or draft the nexus letter your doctor needs to sign.
Related conditions
This page summarizes public rating criteria from 38 CFR Part 4. It is not legal or medical advice. Actual VA ratings depend on C&P exam findings, records review, and rater discretion.